Wake Genealogy Watch - Fall 2025, 9.1 - Latest issue of our newsletter is live now!

The Fall 2025 issue (Vol. 9, Issue 1) of our award-winning newsletter, Wake Genealogy Watch, is now available online for reading or download. Visit the WCGS website or click the link here: Wake Genealogy Watch, Fall 2025. 

This issue includes:

• A recap of our Find Your Family event in May.
• Registration details for Barbara McGeachy’s expanded fall genealogy classes—now 11 topics (up from 8).
• Practical how-to articles to guide your research.
• A review of Belle Long’s same-name study on multiple Joel Lanes, with a link to her original work.
• Ed Webb’s success story of using the BIRLS/FOIA process to successfully acquire his father’s BIRLS military record packet.
• A video tutorial on using AI tools to turn ancestor profiles into narratives, bios, and research plans.
• Cynthia Gage shares the NUMIDENT Social Security dataset for 20th Century Ancestors.
• Information on ordering a WCGS member nametag.
• A full calendar of upcoming events.

Dive in and explore all the resources and stories designed to enrich your genealogy journey!

 

Photo Note: If you choose to read a printed version of this newsletter, some of the photos will be difficult to view due to size constraints. Please refer to the online edition where you can enlarge the photos to accommodate better viewing. 

 

Click this newsletter page link to view this and all past newsletter content. 

 

We welcome your feedback, input, and submissions for inclusion in future editions. Please address all concerns to newsletter@wakecogen.org.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

New Member Special - Join Early for Special Access - There is Still Time!

There is still time to take advantage of this great offer.

Sign up June - August and Get  up to 15 Months instead of 12!

Join WCGS in June - August 2025 and your membership will be valid until August 31. 2026!

If you follow the blog and newsletter or have joined us for a virtual meeting in the past year, we hope you have appreciated the insights, tools, and inspiration we’ve shared through our various outreach channels. We invite you to take the next step and become a full member of the Wake County Genealogical Society.

Your membership grants you access to a wealth of resources available at our website, such as:

• 24/7 access to both our award-winning publications:
  • Wake Treasures, our journal - 31 years of issues from 1991 to 2022.
  • Wake Genealogy Watch, our quarterly newsletter.
• Eleven virtual monthly meetings on the fourth Tuesday (Nov/Dec combined meeting).
• Access to recordings from prior monthly virtual programs. 
• Members-only presentation materials.
• Reduced pricing for special events.
• Member directory and surname database - connect to those who are researching similar interests and family lines so you can collaborate.
• Personalized notification of WCGS meetings and events.
• 50% off Legacy Family Tree Webinars (only for new LFT members).
• Our WCGS Welcome kit.

We are offering extra value exclusively to new members who register in June. With our special offer of up to 15 months for the price of 12, there’s no better time to join. When you become a member, you’re not just signing up for benefits—your membership is an investment in a shared journey of discovery. Your support advances our mission to further genealogical research, provide education through virtual meetings and in-person events, promote collaboration, and preserve records important to your history and ours. Genealogy isn't just about looking back. It's about moving forward together. 

Join now and be part of something enduring.
Questions? Reach out to Membership Chair Carol Kimball Stahl at membership(at)wakecogen.org.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

February 2024 - Black History Month Highlights - Foodways, Music, History and More!

There are many scheduled events to observe Black History Month throughout Wake County. Several groups are maintaining calendars. Here are a few to help you celebrate and honor Black heritage.

Cary - calendar of events

Raleigh - calendar of events

Triangle on the Cheap calendar -60 events including historically significant locations around the Triangle

Wake Forest - calendar of events

Wake Forest - Sites of Memory - African American StoryMap

Holly Springs - Black History Tour (self guided)

Jobz Design at https://www.vecteezy.com/

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact

Wake Genealogy Watch - Spring Edition 2023, v6.3 - Live Now at our website

The Spring 2023 Issue (Vol.6 Issue 3) of our award-winning newsletter, Wake Genealogy Watch, is now available online for reading or download. You can download the latest newsletter through this link – Wake Genealogy Watch, Spring 2023

Features in this issue include:

• RootsTech Roundup 2023: All the Tools, All the DNA, All the AI, All the Stories
• A review of our February Meet Up at Johnston County Heritage Center
• Brenda Carbon has shared a great case study exploring Ancestry’s new ethnicity SideView feature.
• Several Cemetery queries and cleanup projects in our area looking to make local connections
• Pointers to two really good blog posts that cover some basic yet fundamental concepts for working with Genetic Genealogy
• Our handy events calendar will help you save the dates, so you don't miss a single moment of WCGS excitement.

Photo Note: If you choose to read a printed version of this newsletter, some of the photos will be difficult to view due to size constraints. Please refer to the online edition where you can enlarge the photos to accommodate better viewing.

 

Click this newsletter page link to view this and all past newsletter content. 

We welcome your feedback, input, and submissions for inclusions in future editions. Please address all concerns to newsletter@wakecogen.org.

Visit the WCGS Blog for more events, late breaking news, tutorials, updates, and other special posts.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images |Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Contact

Special Event from Wake County Genealogical Society - A Day with Dana Leeds - August 6 afternoon

A SATURDAY WITH DANA LEEDS

 Saturday, August 6

12:45 pm to 5:00 pm

Note change to Virtual via Zoom only

A Saturday with Dana Leeds - Creator of the LEEDS method for Autosomal DNA analysis

Where: Note this event is now virtual only see the WCGS Event page to register

What: Wake County Genealogical Society is proud to host the one and only Dana Leeds, who will present two separate talks in this Saturday afternoon of genealogy. 

Genetic Genealogist Dana Leeds started researching her family tree in 1998. She bought her first DNA kit in 2016 and solved her first unknown parentage case in early 2018. While working on another case that year, she created the innovative genetic genealogy tool known as the Leeds Method. This method quickly sorts DNA matches into clusters allowing the user to see which matches belong together. Dana quickly became a nationally known genetic genealogy speaker, and she enjoys helping others to easily understand and work with their DNA results. Her helpful creation has been shared widely on blogs (including her own), at Legacy Webinars, RootsTech, and other genealogy conferences.

Presentation One: The Leeds Method of Organizing Your Autosomal DNA Matches
Dana will introduce participants to the nuts and bolts of her “Leeds Method” of sorting matches into “grandparent” lines. Dana's method of sorting matches requires no prior knowledge of  DNA jargon or techniques, and even better, no prior knowledge of the focus tester’s matches. It is widely used to help solve unknown parentage cases. It is a simple, approachable method that is available to the novice and expert alike.

Presentation Two: One Man, Multiple Names: An Unexpected DNA Discovery
Dana will present a case study that just happened to turn her research to Wake County and involves the local Beddingfield surname. The presentation tells the story of William Emmitt Hunter who arrived in Oklahoma around 1910 in his early to mid-30s. He married and raised eight children, but he apparently never told them about his past. Only DNA could unravel his secrets. This presentation will share the fascinating story of his family as well as the genetic and traditional genealogy methodology that was used to uncover it. 

There will be a 45 minute break between presentations.  Light snacks will be offered for on-site participants.

Cost (for either in-person participation or virtual participation):

WCGS Members: $10  (Sign into the member's area before making your selection in the store.)

Non-Members: $20

Learn more about the Leeds Method of working with your family DNA here.  Questions? Email George Thomas, Program Manager for the Wake County Genealogical Society.                 

Advanced registration strongly recommended.  Limited seating for both in-person and virtual participants.  On-site registration (cash or check only) will be an option if any in-person slots remain after advanced registration.

Visit our Events Page to register.

 

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images |Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Wake Cemetery Survey c. 1978 online | Contact

Reminder: Upcoming Wake Co Gen Soc Events in the next few days!

 Come visit with us on Saturday and enjoy a great learning opportunity next Tuesday!

Wake County Genealogical Societ Meet up - Saturday, May 21 (in-person event)

When:  Saturday, May 21, 2022

Time:  1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Where:  Oak View Historical Park, 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC  meet on the front porch of the Main Farm House @ 1pm

Come join WCGS members for some fresh air and fresh faces. Bring your questions. Come compare ancestors and  sleuting tips, or just enjoy meeting like minded curious souls who love family history and stories! No registration required. Open to members, potential members and those who are just plain curious.

Wake County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, May 24 (Virtual Event)

When: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 @ 6:30pm - Virtual

Topic:  The 1950 Census - A Glimpse Inside Mid-Century America 
Speaker: Lisa Lisson

The 1950 Census is here! For the first time, the census record gives researchers a glimpse into the lives of their ancestors in post-WWII America. From war brides to suburbia to baby boomers, we'll find it all in the 1950 census. 

This virtual meeting and presentation is open to all, but registration is required.  Registeration details on Wakecogen.org Events Page.

We look forward to seeing you live or virtually this week!

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images |Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Wake Cemetery Survey c. 1978 online | Contact

Share with us for the May 24 Meeting - your Fabulous, Famous and Infamous finds from the 1950 census!

We are planning a special little preview activity for our May 24 virtual meeting. Prior to the meeting during the open chat time, our program chair, George Thomas is planning a fun feature and we need your help. Please submit any Fabulous, Famous and Infamous folk you have found while perusing the 1950 Census images. I have seen what George Thomas, program director,  has planned and I think it will be highly entertaining. Forward thes following details for what you find - the name, state, county, and enumeration district  to George's email - geothos@bellsouth.net  and he will take your findings and create a slide show that should prove to be a lot of fun as we warm up for the evening's presentation. 

Imaging finding this! A very young Bruce Springsteen was residing in the home of his grandparent's New Jersey home in 1950 along with his parents! 

Are you up for the thrill of the hunt? 

Hint: Steve Morse's Unified Enumeration District Finder for 1950 may be of some help.

Send your Fabulous, Famous and Infamous finds to George so we can all marvel at your sleuthing skills.

Spoiler Alert! George's slides are way better than mine!

After we settle in for the evening, Lisa Lisson will present "A Glimpse Inside MidCentury America."  The 1950 Census gives researchers a glimpse into the lives of their ancestors in post-WWII America. From war brides to suburbia to baby boomers, we'll find it all in the 1950 census.

We hope you will join us and wish you Happy Census Hunting!

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images |Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Wake Cemetery Survey c. 1978 online | Contact

Upcoming WCGS Virtual Meeting - May 26

WCGS members and followers should check your email for instructions on how to register for our May 26 virtual meeting. If you are not a member and want to be included, visit our Membership page to join and be included.

You must register for the meeting before May 26.

Date/Time:  Tuesday May 26, 2020 at 6:30pm ET

Speaker: Judy Russell

Topic: How Old Does He Have to Be? - Is this man John the father or John the son? Could that man be my ancestor who married in 1802? Knowing a person's age is often the key to distinquishing two people of the same name.  But if no record gives the birth data, how do you know who someone was? The law can often give the answer.  Please join us for a pre-recorded webinar with Judy G. Russell, also known as The Legal Genealogist!

This virtual meeting and presentation is open to all members and newsletter recipients. If you are on one of those lists, you will receive an email with registration instructions closer to the date.

This meeting will be held virtually using the GoToWebinar application and generously hosted by the North Carolina Genealogical Society.

Return to the WakeCoGen Website

Mark Your Calendar - Thomas W. Jones Workshop in Asheville June 20, 2020

We received this notice from the Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society in Ashville very recently:

I am contacting you on behalf of the Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society (OBCGS) in Asheville, NC.
We are offering a professional workshop, “Beyond the Barriers” on June 20, 2020 that may be of interest to your members. The speaker is Dr. Thomas W. Jones, a board-certified genealogist, who is nationally known as a writer, a knowledgeable and entertaining presenter and editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.

The most interesting topic lineup includes:

• Building a Credible Lineage Despite Missing information, Conflicting and Incorrect Records and Undocumented Publication
• Finding ‘Unfindable’ Ancestors
• The Jones Jinx: Tracing Common Surnames
• Systematically Using Autosomal DNA Test Results to Help Break Through Genealogical Brick Walls

Early bird pricing is available prior to May 15.

Further details, pricing and a registration form are available here.


Return to the WakeCoGen Website

Local Event - Feb 16 - Dedication Ceremony - Memorial to the Enslaved of Joel Lane Plantation

We have received notice that there will be a dedication event for a Memorial to the Enslaved of Joel Lane Plantation on February 16.

Details are as follows:

Dedication Ceremony: Memorial to the Enslaved of the Joel Lane Plantation, 1769-1800

On Sunday, February 16, 2020, we will gather in the Joel Lane Museum House gardens for a time of contemplation and remembrance, as we dedicate a memorial to the people who were held in slavery by Joel Lane and his family. More details.

Time: Sunday, February 16, 2020,

2:00-2:30pm
Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

Location: Joel Lane Museum House Herb Garden, at the southeast corner of the JLMH grounds, located at 160 S. St. Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Parking is available on the streets surrounding the museum.

Admission: Free; All are welcome.

Contact Information: tel: (919) 833-3431; email: joellane@bellsouth.net



Return to the WCGS Website

Look for more Transcriptions Time from Wakecogen

Update:
New dates for Transcriptions Parties this fall - all on Saturdays 10:30-12:30 at Olivia Raney Library.

October 19

November 16

December 14

Original story:
We had such a great turnout for our recent Transcription Workshop on June 29. Results were so positive that more transcription events will be planned for the future. If you love old documents and the wonderful unexpected discoveries within, you will want to join us. Stay tuned for more info.

Here are the attendees getting some video instruction prior to starting our transcriptions. 

Photo: Monique Bunch

Photo: Monique Bunch

Photo: Monique Bunch

Here is the cool deed that I got to work with that day. This is the original that dates back to 1796. Full of long S's (fs) and thence's! Definitely white glove work.

Thanks to Diane Richard for the video and allowing Wakecogen to host on our website. It is on our home page after you scroll down to the end of the page.

Come join us!

Return to the WakeCoGen Website

Rescheduled Olive Family Reunion - September 2019 - Details within

If you are a member of the James Olive family association and planned to attend the reunion last year only to be foiled by a hurricane, here is your chance to regroup and regather.

Here is an excerpt of the Olive Branches newsletter with a brief description:

click to view original size

If you need more information, you can check their Facebook group or send me a message I have pdf files of the newsletter and the pre-registration sheet.

Reunion is Sept. 27-29 in Williamsburg.

Wake County Genealogical Society Announces Transcription Workshop on June 29

By popular request, WCGS is pleased to announce a 2-hour workshop for everyone interested in learning about transcribing historical documents.  This is a skill useful for both producing material for our Wake Treasures journal as well as for our own family history research.  

The program will consist of a presentation with tips and examples followed by a live hands-on transcription (with a buddy) session.  Coming to this workshop does not obligate you to participate in future sessions, but we are looking forward to possibly meeting on a regular basis to work together on transcriptions for our award winning journal, Wake Treasures.  Everyone is welcome! The workshop is FREE!

All skill levels are welcome!  Please bring a laptop to the session if you have one (not required).  You are welcome to remain in the library following the workshop for additional help or to do research. Olivia Raney library is open until 2pm on Saturdays.  If you have questions, please contact Carla Stancil at CarlaStancil@gmail.com

Date:  Saturday, June 29, 2019

Time:  10am – 12 noon ET

Where:  Olivia Raney Local History Library, Raleigh, NC

Hope to see you there!